Patentable/Patents/US-11281536
US-11281536

Method, device and computer program product for managing storage system

PublishedMarch 22, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, device and a computer program product for managing a storage system. The storage system includes a disk array. A method includes determining, based on a first number of disks in the disk array, a second number of spare disks for the disk array. The method further includes creating a spare disk array with the second number of spare disks. The method further includes, in response to a first disk in the disk array failing, allocating a spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk. In addition, the method further includes rebuilding the first disk with the spare logic storage unit.

Patent Claims
23 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method for managing a storage system including a disk array, the method comprising: determining, based on a first number of disks in the disk array, a second number of spare disks for the disk array; creating a spare disk array with the second number of spare disks; in response to a first disk in the disk array failing, allocating a spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk; and rebuilding the first disk with the spare logic storage unit; wherein determining the second number of spare disks for the disk array includes: prior to the first disk in the disk array failing, providing (i) a first value as the second number of spare disks when the disks in the disk array and the spare disks are of a same type, and (ii) a second value as the second number of spare disks when the disks in the disk array and the spare disks are of different types, the first value being different from the second value; and wherein the method further comprises: allocating another spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk, the spare logic storage unit and the other spare logic storage unit forming a plurality of spare logic storage units, data from the first disk being rebuilt on the plurality of spare logic storage units in response to the first disk in the disk array failing.

Plain English Translation

Storage system management. This invention addresses the problem of efficiently managing spare disks in a storage system to ensure data availability upon disk failure. The method involves a disk array and a separate spare disk array. A key aspect is dynamically determining the number of spare disks required. This determination is based on whether the disks in the main disk array and the spare disks are of the same type or different types. A first value is used for the number of spare disks when they are of the same type, and a different second value is used when they are of different types. When a disk in the main disk array fails, a spare logic storage unit is allocated from the spare disk array. This allocated spare logic storage unit is then used to rebuild the failed disk. Furthermore, multiple spare logic storage units can be allocated from the spare disk array to rebuild the failed disk, allowing data from the failed disk to be rebuilt across this plurality of spare logic storage units.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the spare disks and the disks in the disk array are of different types, and the spare disks have lower latency and higher throughput than the disks in the disk array.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a storage system that improves performance by using spare disks with different characteristics than the primary disks in the disk array. The system addresses the problem of performance degradation in disk arrays when handling high-demand workloads, particularly in scenarios where spare disks are used for redundancy or data migration. The primary disks in the array may have higher capacity but lower performance, while the spare disks are optimized for lower latency and higher throughput. When data is migrated or reconstructed, the system leverages the spare disks to accelerate operations, reducing the time required for tasks such as rebuilding data after a disk failure or performing background data migrations. The spare disks act as high-performance buffers, temporarily storing data during these operations before it is transferred to the primary disks. This approach ensures that the storage system maintains high performance during critical operations without requiring all disks in the array to have the same high-performance specifications, which can be cost-prohibitive. The system dynamically assigns data to the appropriate disks based on performance requirements, optimizing both cost and efficiency.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the disks in the disk array include a magnetic disk and the spare disks include a solid state disk with a lower Write Per Day (WPD).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to disk array systems, specifically addressing the challenge of improving reliability and performance in storage systems by integrating different types of disks. The system includes a disk array with at least one magnetic disk and spare disks that are solid-state disks (SSDs). The SSDs have a lower Write Per Day (WPD) rating compared to the magnetic disks, meaning they are optimized for lower write endurance but can provide faster read/write speeds. The method involves using the SSDs as spare disks to replace failed or degraded magnetic disks in the array. When a failure occurs, the system automatically identifies the failed disk and replaces it with an SSD from the spare pool. The SSDs are managed to ensure they operate within their WPD limits, preventing premature wear. The system also monitors the health of both magnetic and solid-state disks to predict failures and optimize performance. By combining magnetic disks for high-capacity, cost-effective storage with SSDs for reliability and speed, the system enhances overall storage efficiency and durability. This approach is particularly useful in enterprise environments where data integrity and performance are critical.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein creating the spare disk array comprises: determining a type of the spare disk array based on the second number; and creating the spare disk array of the type.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for managing spare disk arrays in redundant storage configurations. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently allocate and configure spare disks to maintain data redundancy and reliability in storage systems, particularly when dealing with varying numbers of available spare disks. The method involves creating a spare disk array by first determining the type of spare disk array based on a specified number of spare disks. The type of spare disk array is selected to optimize storage performance and redundancy. For example, if the number of spare disks is sufficient, a high-redundancy configuration may be chosen, while a lower-redundancy configuration may be selected if fewer spare disks are available. The spare disk array is then created according to the determined type, ensuring that the storage system can effectively utilize the available spare disks to maintain data integrity and availability. This approach allows for dynamic adaptation of spare disk configurations based on the number of available spare disks, improving the overall reliability and efficiency of the storage system.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein allocating the spare logic storage unit comprises: allocating, from the spare disk array, the spare logic storage unit having a same size as the first disk.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing storage in a disk array system addresses the problem of efficiently utilizing spare storage capacity when a disk in the array fails. The system includes a disk array with multiple disks, where one or more disks are designated as spare disks. When a primary disk fails, the system allocates a spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array to replace the failed disk. The spare logic storage unit is allocated with the same size as the failed disk to ensure compatibility and proper data reconstruction. This allocation process involves selecting a spare disk or portion of a spare disk that matches the size of the failed disk, ensuring seamless integration into the array. The method ensures that the spare storage unit can effectively replace the failed disk without requiring additional resizing or reformatting, maintaining system performance and data integrity. The system may also include mechanisms for monitoring disk health, triggering automatic allocation of spare storage when a failure is detected, and reconstructing data from the remaining operational disks onto the newly allocated spare storage unit. This approach optimizes storage utilization and minimizes downtime in disk array systems.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein allocating the spare logic storage unit comprises: allocating, from the spare disk array, the spare logic storage unit providing a same access interface as the first disk.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing storage in a disk array system addresses the problem of efficiently utilizing spare storage resources when a primary disk fails. The system includes a disk array with multiple disks, where at least one disk (the first disk) is designated as a primary storage device. When a failure occurs, the system allocates a spare logic storage unit from a spare disk array to replace the failed disk. The spare logic storage unit is configured to provide the same access interface as the first disk, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration into the existing storage infrastructure. This allows the system to maintain data availability and performance without requiring significant reconfiguration or downtime. The method ensures that the spare storage unit can be dynamically allocated and integrated into the system, providing a transparent replacement for the failed disk. The approach optimizes resource utilization by leveraging spare storage capacity within the array, reducing the need for external or additional storage solutions. The system may also include mechanisms for monitoring disk health and automatically triggering the allocation of spare storage units when a failure is detected, enhancing reliability and minimizing manual intervention. The method is particularly useful in enterprise storage environments where high availability and minimal disruption are critical.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: in response to a second disk being added to the storage system for replacing the first disk, copying data in the spare logic storage unit to the second disk; and in response to completion of the copying, de-allocating the spare logic storage unit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for managing disk replacement in a storage system. The problem addressed is ensuring data integrity and availability during disk replacement operations without disrupting system performance. The method involves a storage system with multiple disks, including a first disk that needs replacement. When the first disk fails or is removed, data from the failed disk is copied to a spare logic storage unit, which is a temporary storage area within the system. This allows the system to continue operating normally while the failed disk is replaced. When a second disk is added to replace the first disk, the data stored in the spare logic storage unit is copied to the second disk. Once the copying is complete, the spare logic storage unit is de-allocated, freeing up the temporary storage space. This ensures that the replacement disk is fully synchronized with the rest of the system, maintaining data consistency and availability. The method also includes monitoring the status of the disks and the spare logic storage unit to ensure proper operation during the replacement process. This approach minimizes downtime and prevents data loss during disk replacement, improving the reliability of the storage system.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising: in response to the spare disk array being created, creating a data structure for recording a state of the spare disk array; in response to the spare logic storage unit being allocated, updating the data structure; and in response to the spare logic storage unit being de-allocated, updating the data structure.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically managing spare disk arrays and logic storage units within a storage system. The problem addressed is efficiently tracking and managing spare storage resources to ensure availability and proper allocation in a storage array. The method involves creating a spare disk array within a storage system, which includes multiple physical disks. A data structure is established to record the state of the spare disk array, including its allocation status. When a spare logic storage unit is allocated from the spare disk array, the data structure is updated to reflect this allocation. Similarly, when a spare logic storage unit is de-allocated, the data structure is updated to reflect its return to the spare pool. This ensures accurate tracking of available and allocated spare storage resources, preventing over-allocation and improving system reliability. The data structure maintains real-time information about the spare disk array's state, allowing the storage system to dynamically manage spare resources. This method enhances storage system efficiency by ensuring spare storage units are properly tracked and available when needed, reducing downtime and improving data integrity. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale storage systems where spare resource management is critical for maintaining performance and reliability.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the disk array and the spare disk array includes a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID).

Plain English Translation

A method for managing data storage systems addresses the problem of ensuring data reliability and availability in disk arrays. The method involves using a primary disk array and a spare disk array to store data redundantly. The primary disk array handles active data operations, while the spare disk array provides backup storage. If a failure occurs in the primary disk array, the system automatically switches to the spare disk array to maintain data access and integrity. The method includes monitoring the health of the primary disk array, detecting failures, and initiating a failover to the spare disk array when necessary. Additionally, the method may include synchronizing data between the primary and spare disk arrays to ensure consistency. At least one of the disk arrays, either the primary or the spare, is configured as a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) to enhance fault tolerance. RAID configurations distribute data across multiple disks, providing redundancy and improving performance. The method ensures continuous data availability by leveraging redundant storage and automated failover mechanisms, minimizing downtime and data loss risks.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the disk array performs data storage operations in accordance with a first Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) level; and wherein creating the spare disk array with the second number of spare disks includes: configuring the spare disk array to perform data storage operations in accordance with a second RAID level that is different from the first RAID level.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to data storage systems using Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) configurations. The problem addressed is optimizing spare disk utilization in RAID systems to improve performance and reliability. In a disk array system, data is stored using a first RAID level, which defines how data is distributed and protected across multiple disks. When spare disks are allocated to form a spare disk array, they are configured to operate under a second RAID level that differs from the first. This allows the spare disk array to be optimized for specific performance or redundancy requirements that may differ from the primary storage array. For example, the primary array might use RAID 5 for balanced performance and redundancy, while the spare array could use RAID 10 for higher performance or RAID 6 for additional fault tolerance. The method ensures that spare disks are efficiently utilized based on their intended role, improving overall system flexibility and reliability. The invention applies to storage systems where spare disks are dynamically allocated to handle failures or expand capacity, ensuring optimal configuration for different storage needs.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein creating the spare disk array with the second number of spare disks includes: combining a plurality of solid state disks (SSDs) together to form the spare disk array, the combined plurality of SSDs forming the spare disk array being different from the disks in the disk array.

Plain English Translation

This method creates a backup storage space using several solid-state drives (SSDs) joined together, and these SSDs are different from the drives used in the main storage.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A device for managing a storage system including a disk array, the device comprising: at least one processing unit; at least one memory coupled to the at least one processing unit and storing instructions for execution by the at least one processing unit, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processing unit, causing the device to perform acts including: determining, based on a first number of disks in the disk array, a second number of spare disks for the disk array; creating a spare disk array with the second number of spare disks; in response to a first disk in the disk array failing, allocating a spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk; and rebuilding the first disk with the spare logic storage unit; wherein determining the second number of spare disks for the disk array includes: prior to the first disk in the disk array failing, providing (i) a first value as the second number of spare disks when the disks in the disk array and the spare disks are of a same type, and (ii) a second value as the second number of spare disks when the disks in the disk array and the spare disks are of different types, the first value being different from the second value; and wherein the acts further include: allocating another spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk, the spare logic storage unit and the other spare logic storage unit forming a plurality of spare logic storage units, data from the first disk being rebuilt on the plurality of spare logic storage units in response to the first disk in the disk array failing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a device for managing a storage system with a disk array, addressing the challenge of efficiently handling disk failures and ensuring data redundancy. The device includes at least one processing unit and memory storing instructions that, when executed, perform several key functions. First, the device determines the number of spare disks needed for the disk array based on the total number of disks in the array. The spare disks are then organized into a separate spare disk array. When a disk in the main array fails, the device allocates a spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array to rebuild the failed disk. The rebuilding process involves copying data from the failed disk to the spare logic storage unit. The determination of spare disks considers whether the disks in the main array and the spare disks are of the same type. If they are the same, a first predefined number of spare disks is used. If they are different, a second predefined number is used, ensuring optimal redundancy based on disk compatibility. Additionally, the device may allocate multiple spare logic storage units to rebuild a single failed disk, distributing the data across these units for enhanced reliability. This approach improves fault tolerance and data recovery efficiency in storage systems.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The device according to claim 12 , wherein the spare disks and the disks in the disk array are of different types, and the spare disks have lower latency and higher throughput than the disks in the disk array.

Plain English Translation

A storage system includes a disk array with multiple disks and at least one spare disk. The spare disk is used to replace a failed disk in the array, ensuring data redundancy and continuous operation. The spare disk and the disks in the array may be of different types, with the spare disk having lower latency and higher performance than the disks in the array. This design allows the spare disk to quickly take over for a failed disk while providing better performance characteristics, such as faster read/write operations and higher data throughput. The system may also include a controller that monitors disk health, detects failures, and automatically replaces a failed disk with the spare disk. The spare disk may be pre-configured to match the data layout of the array, allowing seamless integration when a failure occurs. This approach improves system reliability and minimizes downtime by ensuring that spare disks are optimized for rapid recovery and high-performance operation.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The device according to claim 12 , wherein the disks in the disk array include a magnetic disk and the spare disks include a solid state disk with a lower Write Per Day (WPD).

Plain English Translation

A data storage system includes a disk array with multiple disks and spare disks for redundancy. The disks in the array store data, while the spare disks provide backup capacity to replace failed disks. The system monitors disk health and automatically replaces failing disks with spare disks to maintain data integrity. The spare disks are optimized for reliability and endurance, ensuring long-term data protection. In this configuration, the disk array includes at least one magnetic disk for primary storage, while the spare disks include at least one solid-state disk with a lower Write Per Day (WPD) rating. The solid-state spare disks are designed to handle fewer write operations per day compared to standard solid-state drives, reducing wear and extending their lifespan. This setup balances performance, cost, and reliability by using magnetic disks for frequent access and solid-state spare disks for infrequent but critical backup operations. The system dynamically manages disk replacements to minimize downtime and data loss.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The device according to claim 12 , wherein creating the spare disk array comprises: determining a type of the spare disk array based on the second number; and creating the spare disk array of the type.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing storage redundancy in a disk array environment addresses the challenge of efficiently allocating spare disks to maintain data integrity and performance. The system dynamically creates spare disk arrays based on operational requirements, ensuring optimal use of available storage resources. The process involves determining the type of spare disk array needed based on a specified number of disks, then constructing the spare disk array accordingly. The spare disk array type is selected to match the required redundancy level, such as RAID configurations like RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6, depending on the number of disks allocated. This approach enhances fault tolerance by providing flexible redundancy options tailored to the system's needs, reducing downtime and data loss risks. The system monitors disk health and automatically reconfigures spare arrays as necessary, improving storage reliability and efficiency. By dynamically adjusting spare disk allocations, the system optimizes storage utilization while maintaining high availability. This solution is particularly useful in enterprise storage environments where data protection and performance are critical.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The device according to claim 12 , wherein allocating the spare logic storage unit comprises: allocating, from the spare disk array, the spare logic storage unit having a same size as the first disk.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing storage in a disk array includes a method for allocating spare logic storage units to replace failed or degraded disks. The system monitors disk health and identifies when a disk requires replacement. When a replacement is needed, the system allocates a spare logic storage unit from a spare disk array. The spare logic storage unit is selected to have the same size as the disk being replaced, ensuring compatibility and efficient data reconstruction. The system then maps the spare logic storage unit to the logical address of the failed disk, allowing data to be restored or migrated seamlessly. This approach minimizes downtime and maintains data integrity by ensuring that the spare storage unit matches the size of the original disk, preventing mismatches that could disrupt operations. The method is particularly useful in high-availability storage systems where uninterrupted access to data is critical. The system may also include additional features such as automatic failure detection, dynamic reallocation of spare storage, and integration with RAID configurations to enhance reliability.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The device according to claim 12 , wherein allocating the spare logic storage unit comprises: allocating, from the spare disk array, the spare logic storage unit providing a same access interface as the first disk.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing storage resources in a disk array environment addresses the challenge of efficiently utilizing spare storage capacity to maintain data integrity and performance. The system includes a disk array with multiple disks, where at least one disk is designated as a spare disk. The spare disk is logically partitioned into multiple spare logic storage units, each configured to provide the same access interface as the primary disks in the array. When a primary disk fails or requires maintenance, one of the spare logic storage units is allocated to replace the failed or maintenance-requiring disk. This allocation ensures seamless integration with existing storage management protocols, as the spare logic storage unit mimics the access characteristics of the primary disk it replaces. The system dynamically manages spare storage resources, optimizing their use while maintaining compatibility with standard storage access methods. This approach enhances reliability and reduces downtime by providing a flexible and efficient way to handle disk failures or maintenance operations without disrupting ongoing data operations. The spare logic storage units are pre-configured to match the interface specifications of the primary disks, ensuring immediate availability and compatibility when needed.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The device according to claim 12 , wherein the acts further include: in response to a second disk being added to the storage system for replacing the first disk, copying data in the spare logic storage unit to the second disk; and in response to completion of the copying, de-allocating the spare logic storage unit.

Plain English Translation

A storage system includes a spare logic storage unit that temporarily holds data during disk replacement operations. The system monitors disk health and, when a first disk fails or is predicted to fail, automatically allocates the spare logic storage unit to store data from the failing disk. The system then copies data from the spare logic storage unit to a replacement disk, ensuring data integrity during the transition. Once the data transfer is complete, the spare logic storage unit is de-allocated to free up resources. This approach minimizes downtime and prevents data loss by providing a temporary storage buffer during disk replacement. The system may also include redundancy mechanisms, such as RAID configurations, to enhance reliability. The spare logic storage unit is dynamically managed, allowing the system to adapt to different storage configurations and failure scenarios. The solution is particularly useful in enterprise storage environments where continuous availability is critical.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The device according to claim 18 , wherein the acts further include: in response to the spare disk array being created, creating a data structure for recording a state of the spare disk array; in response to the spare logic storage unit being allocated, updating the data structure; and in response to the spare logic storage unit being de-allocated, updating the data structure.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically managing spare disk arrays and logic storage units within a storage system. The problem addressed is the need for efficient tracking and management of spare storage resources to ensure reliability and optimal performance in storage systems. The system includes a storage controller that manages a plurality of physical disks organized into disk arrays. When a disk array fails or requires maintenance, the storage controller creates a spare disk array from available spare disks. The spare disk array is then divided into multiple logic storage units, which are allocated to different storage tasks as needed. The system dynamically allocates and de-allocates these logic storage units based on system demands. A key feature is the creation of a data structure that records the state of the spare disk array, including its allocation status. When a spare logic storage unit is allocated or de-allocated, the data structure is updated to reflect the current state. This ensures accurate tracking of available and in-use storage resources, preventing conflicts and improving system efficiency. The data structure may include metadata such as allocation status, capacity, and usage history, allowing the storage controller to make informed decisions about resource management. This approach enhances system reliability by ensuring spare resources are properly managed and monitored.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The device according to claim 12 , wherein at least one of the disk array and the spare disk array includes a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID).

Plain English Translation

A system for data storage and redundancy management includes a primary disk array and a spare disk array. The primary disk array stores data across multiple disks, while the spare disk array provides backup storage to enhance reliability. At least one of these arrays is configured as a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID), which distributes data across multiple disks to improve performance, fault tolerance, or both. The RAID configuration may include various levels, such as RAID 0 for striping, RAID 1 for mirroring, or RAID 5 for striping with parity, depending on the desired balance of speed, redundancy, and storage efficiency. The spare disk array can be used to replace failed disks in the primary array, ensuring continuous data availability. The system may also include a controller that monitors disk health, manages data distribution, and handles failover operations when a disk fails. This approach reduces downtime and data loss risks by leveraging RAID technology and automated redundancy mechanisms.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. A storage system, comprising: a disk array; and a storage processor configured to perform acts including: determining, based on a first number of disks in the disk array, a second number of spare disks for the disk array; creating a spare disk array with the second number of spare disks; in response to a first disk in the disk array failing, allocating a spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk; and rebuilding the first disk with the spare logic storage unit; wherein determining the second number of spare disks for the disk array includes: prior to the first disk in the disk array failing, providing (i) a first value as the second number of spare disks when the disks in the disk array and the spare disks are of a same type, and (ii) a second value as the second number of spare disks when the disks in the disk array and the spare disks are of different types, the first value being different from the second value; and wherein the acts further include: allocating another spare logic storage unit from the spare disk array for rebuilding the first disk, the spare logic storage unit and the other spare logic storage unit forming a plurality of spare logic storage units, data from the first disk being rebuilt on the plurality of spare logic storage units in response to the first disk in the disk array failing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to storage systems with disk arrays and methods for managing spare disks to improve reliability and data recovery. The system addresses the problem of disk failures in storage arrays by dynamically allocating spare disks based on disk type compatibility and ensuring efficient data rebuilding. The storage system includes a disk array and a storage processor that determines the number of spare disks needed based on whether the disks in the array and the spare disks are of the same or different types. If the disks are of the same type, a first predefined number of spare disks is allocated, while a different second predefined number is allocated if the disks are of different types. When a disk fails, the system allocates one or more spare logic storage units from the spare disk array to rebuild the failed disk. The data from the failed disk is distributed across multiple spare logic storage units, enhancing redundancy and recovery efficiency. This approach optimizes spare disk allocation and ensures reliable data reconstruction, particularly in heterogeneous disk environments.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The storage system according to claim 21 , wherein the spare disks and the disks in the disk array are of different types, and the spare disks have lower latency and higher throughput than the disks in the disk array.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to storage systems with heterogeneous disk types, addressing performance bottlenecks in traditional storage architectures. The system includes a disk array composed of primary disks and a set of spare disks, where the spare disks are of a different type than the primary disks. Specifically, the spare disks are optimized for lower latency and higher throughput compared to the primary disks in the disk array. This design allows the storage system to dynamically allocate spare disks to handle high-performance workloads, improving overall system efficiency. The spare disks can be used for tasks such as caching, temporary storage, or handling peak demand, while the primary disks manage standard storage operations. By integrating disks with different performance characteristics, the system balances cost and performance, ensuring that critical operations benefit from high-speed storage while maintaining cost-effective storage for routine data. The heterogeneous disk configuration enables flexible resource allocation, reducing latency and enhancing throughput where needed. This approach is particularly useful in environments where workloads vary significantly, requiring adaptive storage solutions to maintain optimal performance.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The storage system according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of the disk array and the spare disk array includes a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID).

Plain English Translation

A storage system is designed to enhance data reliability and availability by incorporating redundant storage configurations. The system includes a primary disk array and a spare disk array, where at least one of these arrays is implemented using a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID). RAID configurations distribute data across multiple disks to improve fault tolerance, performance, or both. The primary disk array stores active data, while the spare disk array provides backup storage to replace failed disks or handle data recovery. The RAID implementation ensures that data remains accessible even if one or more disks fail, maintaining system integrity. This approach reduces downtime and data loss risks by leveraging redundancy and distributed storage techniques. The system may also include mechanisms for monitoring disk health, automatically reallocating data, and integrating spare disks to maintain continuous operation. The use of RAID in either the primary or spare array enhances the overall robustness of the storage solution, making it suitable for applications requiring high reliability and data protection.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

June 28, 2018

Publication Date

March 22, 2022

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Method, device and computer program product for managing storage system” (US-11281536). https://patentable.app/patents/US-11281536

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-11281536. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.